Henbane bell Scopolia carniolica var. brevifolia

Names

• Family

  Solanaceae

• Synonyms

  Henbane Bell, Alpine Scopolia, Siberian Scopolia

• Common names

  Scopolia brevifolia, Hyoscyamus scopolia, Scopolia atropoides.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Scopolia carniolica, commonly known as Henbane Bell, is toxic to humans. The plant contains tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine, which can cause anticholinergic syndrome if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning from Henbane Bell include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, dilated pupils, blurred vision, increased heart rate, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, and in severe cases, coma or death. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation. Due to these substances, ingestion of any part of Henbane Bell can lead to serious health consequences, and medical attention should be sought immediately if poisoning is suspected.

• To pets

  Scopolia carniolica, known commonly as Henbane Bell, is toxic to pets. The presence of tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine in the plant can lead to anticholinergic syndrome in animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include restlessness, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, ravenous appetite, disorientation, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death. Any part of the Henbane Bell plant, if ingested by pets, is considered poisonous and could result in serious health impacts, requiring urgent veterinary care.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Brown

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Landscape Aesthetics: Scopolia carniolica var. brevifolia, commonly known as Henbane Bell, adds unique visual interest to gardens with its striking foliage and bell-shaped flowers.
• Pollinator Attraction: The plant's flowers can attract bees and other pollinators which are crucial for the pollination of many plants, supporting biodiversity.
• Wildlife Habitat: Providing shelter and food resources, it can contribute to maintaining local wildlife populations, particularly beneficial insects.
• Erosion Control: The root system of Henbane Bell can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
• Shade Tolerance: This variety can grow in semi-shaded areas where many other flowering plants might not thrive, offering greater landscaping flexibility.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, it often demonstrates resilience to periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
• Seasonal Interest: Henbane Bell can provide seasonal color and visual interest, even in temperate climates with changing seasons.
• Cultural Significance: In some cultures or regions, the plant may have historical or traditional value, giving it a place in heritage gardens.

Medical Properties

• Anticholinergic: Contains tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine which can act on the nervous system to reduce spasms and motility in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Anesthetic adjunct: Scopolamine, found in the plant, has been used in anesthetic procedures to decrease saliva and other secretions.
• Ophthalmic use: Historically, components like scopolamine were utilized for dilating pupils during eye examinations.
• Motion sickness: Scopolamine is known for its effectiveness in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, although it is typically used in a synthetic form.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Scopolia carniolica, commonly known as Scopolia, has traditional uses in Eastern Europe for folkloric practices, where some people believe that planting it around one's home may offer protection against evil spirits.
• The root of Scopolia can be used in the preparation of natural insecticides, utilizing some of the plant's compounds that may be toxic to insects.
• In horticulture, Scopolia is cultivated for its attractive bell-shaped flowers, providing a unique aesthetic to gardens especially in shaded areas.
• Some crafters use Scopolia's dried flowers and seed pods in ornamental dried flower arrangements due to their interesting shape and texture.
• Scopolia's roots have been used for staining wood, providing a natural, earthy color from the pigments it contains.
• In art, the juices extracted from Scopolia's leaves and stems may serve as colorants for natural dyes in textiles and paper-making.
• Enthusiasts of photography might employ the bell-shaped flowers of Scopolia for macro and nature photography, capturing their unique form and structure.
• Some gardeners utilize Scopolia in companion planting, believing that its strong odor and toxic compounds might deter pests from more susceptible plants.
• The study of Scopolia offers educational opportunities, as biology and botany students can observe the plant’s growth, reproductive mechanisms, and ecological interactions.
• Scopolia can be integrated into environmental science practices, where its impact on biodiversity and soil chemistry in its native habitat can be investigated.

Feng Shui

The plant Scopolia is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Scopolia is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Mystique: Scopolia, commonly known as Henbane Bell, has a mysterious aura linked to its hallucinogenic and toxic properties, which historically have been associated with witchcraft and sorcery.
• Caution: Due to its poisonous nature, the Henbane Bell symbolizes the need for caution and reminds us that not everything that is natural is harmless.
• Healing: Despite its toxicity, Henbane Bell has been used in traditional medicine, symbolizing the dual nature of plants to be both poisonous and healing.
• Transformation: The Henbane Bell's ability to induce altered states can symbolize personal transformation or the crossing of boundaries between reality and the unseen.